Direct Ink Writing of Carbon-Doped Polymeric Composite Ink: A Review on Its Requirements and Applications

Machine Learning in 3D and 4D Printing of Polymer Composites: A Review

The emergence of 3D and 4D printing has transformed the field of polymer composites, facilitating the fabrication of complex structures. As these manufacturing techniques continue to progress, the integration of machine learning (ML) is widely utilized to enhance aspects of these processes. This includes optimizing material properties, refining process parameters, predicting performance outcomes, and enabling real-time monitoring. This paper aims to provide an overview of the recent applications of ML in the 3D and 4D printing of polymer composites. By highlighting the intersection of these technologies, this paper seeks to identify existing trends and challenges, and outline future directions.

Numerical and Experimental Mechanical Analysis of Additively Manufactured Ankle-Foot Orthoses

Growing age and different conditions often require the replacement of orthoses, and FDM-based 3D printing can produce them quickly with less investment. In today's market for orthotics, these characteristics are highly desired. Therefore, this study is fully focused on the optimization and strength analysis of FDM 3D-printed ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) fabricated using PLA and PLA reinforced with carbon fiber (PLA-C). An increase in ankle plantar-flexor force can be achieved by reinforcing thermoplastic AFOs with CFs. Specially designed mechanical strength tests were conducted at the UTM to generate force-displacement curves for stored elastic energy and fracture studies. The mechanical behavior of both AFOs was predicted with the help of an FEA. The model predictions were validated by comparing them with mechanical strength testing conducted under the same loading and boundary conditions as the FEA. In both the prediction and experimental analysis, the PLA-C-based AFOs were stiffer and could withstand greater loads than the PLA-based AFOs. An area of high stress in the simulation and a fracture point in experimentation were both found at the same location. Furthermore, these highly accurate models will allow the fabrication of AFOs to be improved without investing time and resources on trials.